Sunday, October 9, 2011

If you follow me on facebook then you know I was making cakes for a friend's wedding yesterday. one of the flavors she chose was Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This is the cupcake I served her when I had her over for a tasting. I love these cupcakes with both the Caramel Buttercream and Cream Cheese Frosting. The Caramel Buttercream is rich and sweet and the Cream Cheese Frosting is smooth and tangy. If those two frostings aren't enough for you, perhaps try Peanut Butter Frosting. I have to admit that I never actually thought to pair this Apple Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting, but it makes perfect sense. I had another set of friends over for a cake tasting and the Apple Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting (which was their idea) ended up being their favorite. Just reminds me sometimes I need to open my eyes a little wider. Either way, this is a delicious cake that should definitely be included in your Fall recipes.

In
a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon,
and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and sugars until
creamy. Beat in the the orange juice, vanilla, and vegetable oil.
Slowly add the flour mixture, mix until just combined. Stir in the
grated apples. Bake 20-25 minutes until a
toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Cool
completely before frosting.

**Bakers Note - I prefer to use a mix of sweet and sour apples. For my latest batch I used a mix of Granny Smith and Macintosh.

Bring 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar and the water to a boil
in a medium saucepan. Wash sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to
prevent sugar crystals from forming. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until caramel is
dark amber. Immediately remove from heat, and slowly add cream, salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring with a
wooden spoon until smooth. Let cool.

Beat butter with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

Place whites and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a heatproof mixer
bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Whisk until sugar dissolves and
mixture registers 160 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat, and attach bowl to a mixer. Whisk on medium
speed for 5 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high, and whisk until
stiff, glossy peaks form, about 6 minutes. Reduce speed to medium, and
add beaten butter, cup at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Whisk in vanilla. Switch to paddle attachment. With mixer on low speed, add caramel, and beat until smooth, 3 to 5 minutes.

**Bakers Note - When I made the caramel I doubled the recipe and used the leftover to drizzle caramel over the cupcakes. You will still have some leftover which is great on ice cream!

About Me

My name is Risa and I am an accountant living in the Washington D.C. area with a passion for all things sweet. I have always enjoyed baking and creating new treats, so I decided I would share it with the rest of the world. If you would like to email me I can be contacted at bakedperfection@gmail.com.